As you begin planning your wedding reception, the unsung hero of your special day will be your lighting package. From helping guests see each other to creating your intended mood, lighting does a lot of work in your reception hall. Below are a few pointers for choosing the right lighting for your wedding.

4 Tips for Perfect Wedding Reception Lighting

1. Consider Your Theme

Before picking out rentals and investing in string lights and candles in bulk, take a step back and evaluate the overall theme of your wedding. In many cases, the wedding color palette, venue aesthetic, and overall style of your special day can dictate your fixtures and plan of attack, so discuss these key thematic elements with your event venue and production team. 

2. Communicate With Your Wedding Planner & Venue Staff

Once you have a solid grasp of your overall wedding theme, whether it be modern, rustic, romantic, or classic, engage your wedding planner and the venue staff for lighting recommendations. If you’re envisioning twinkling lights overhead, chandeliers, special illumination around the cake, or candles at every table, discuss your vision with your team. Some venues have restrictions or provide certain elements with your rental.

3. Learn the Lingo

There are a variety of lighting options for a beautiful wedding reception. While most couples are familiar with string lights and candles, many are not so sure about uplighting, gobos, and color washes. Uplighting sends a stream of illumination from the bulb placed near the ground. Special effects like gobos can project a monogram on the wall, and color washes project a glow in a specified hue across the space.

4. Use Lighting to Signal Transitions

In addition to bolstering your theme and creating stunning photo opportunities, lighting can be used to signal the various stages of your wedding reception. Overhead fixtures may be perfect for cocktail hour while dimmed lights and candles or string lights can create a beautiful glow during dinner. Don’t be afraid to have a little fun with your lighting motif when it’s time to dance and mingle. 

Makoy Center is known throughout the Columbus, OH, area as the region’s premier event venue since opening over 30 years ago. With a luxurious atmosphere and a reputation for friendly, professional service from a dedicated production team, this 30,000 square foot facility is the perfect location for corporate events, private parties, and beautiful wedding receptions. To schedule a tour of this stunning event space that can accommodate weddings with up to 400 guests, call today at (614) 777-1211. For more information on why Makoy Center has been voted Best of Weddings on The Knot® for six years in a row, visit their website.